Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs signs record contract after stressful negotiations
Jahmyr Gibbs secured a three-year extension worth $22.5 million per year, becoming the highest-paid running back, and said the negotiation period was very stressful.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs announced on Friday that he has signed a three-year extension through the 2030 season, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history with an average annual value of $22.5 million and $51.5 million guaranteed. Gibbs said the contract talks were “extremely stressful” because he wanted to return to the field and missed practicing with teammates.
He missed the first six practices of training camp while the hold-in lasted a week, and described the process as “hard” but a necessary part of the business of football. Gibbs noted that several veteran backs, including Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey, reached out to offer support during the negotiations.
The deal follows a recent trend of running backs receiving larger contracts, a shift from earlier league sentiment that backs did not merit big paydays. Gibbs said he hopes the new contract will help push the market for younger running backs.
Looking ahead, Gibbs said his primary goal is to win a Super Bowl with Detroit and he is prepared to do whatever is required to achieve that.